The Mountain West is often overlooked among those who love to peep fall colors, given that summer can turn to winter out here in an instant. But some years, fall colors can spring to life and stick around for weeks, and even months, on end – lighting up Bighorn Mountain Country in a kaleidoscope of epic autumn color. When that happens there are countless destinations that offer spectacular scenery and epic panoramas, but we have narrowed it down to these six perfect fall pairings for 2024.
TONGUE RIVER CANYON
Tongue River Canyon offers spectacular views from the moment you hit the trailhead. This trail comes off State land near Amsden Creek Wildlife Habitat Area and can be accessed year-round. The canyon is marked with shear limestone walls, towering outcrops, and ancient keyholes. The further you hike, the better the views of tributary canyons, wildflowers, and aspen clones. This area is managed by the US Forest Service. The trail begins on state land at the end of County Road (CR) 92 and ends at Forest System Road (FSR) 196.
The road to the trailhead begins and ends in the beautiful town of Dayton, known for the Dayton Mercantile (sandwiches and shakes), Gallery on Main (tapas and wine) and Crazy Woman Saloon (try the pork green chili smothered burritos).
DOWNTOWN SHERIDAN
The trees that line Main Street in downtown Sheridan pop in shades of red, yellow and orange in the fall, and the best place to see them, and the entirety of downtown set against a backdrop of the stunning Bighorn Mountains, is from the skybridge at the Best Western Sheridan Center. Bonus points for popping into the BW Sports Bar after you capture your photo to reward yourself with a fall treat. A block away you’ll find Open Range at the Historic Sheridan Inn; we’re particularly partial to the bison short ribs.
CONNOR BATTLEFIELD STATE HISTORIC SITE
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is an hour drive from downtown Sheridan, and there are numerous other Indian War battle sites in the region, including Connor Battlefield State Historic Site, located on a gorgeous cottonwood-draped bend in the Tongue River. Connor was the single most important engagement of the Powder River Expedition of 1865 and caused the Arapaho to ally with the Sioux and Cheyenne at the Fetterman Fight a year later. The park has picnic areas, a playground, overnight camping facilities, fishing access as well as historic interpretations.
Ranchester features several great places to grab a bit, including the Wyoming Buckshot Saloon (vampire tacos, anyone?), Innominate Coffeehouse & Bakery (scones for days!), and the brand-new Tongue River Brewing Co., purveyors of fantastic pub grub and creative pizza (with crust made from the Innominate’s talented bake team).
THE PARK AT UCROSS
Ucross Foundation describes this stunning park best: “over the course of thirty years, Ucross Foundation has restored and preserved historic structures, conserved natural resources, and built
a thriving sanctuary for creative thought. The Park at Ucross offers a welcoming introduction to the tranquility of Ucross, which has inspired nearly 1,600 artists from all over the world, gives families in the community the opportunity for firsthand experience of nurturing the earth through the planting of trees and flowers, provides a contemplative space for travelers, friends, and neighbors, and recognizes friends and loved ones with trees planted in their honor.” The small chapel was modeled after the world-famous version at Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. Get to Ucross by taking the old highway 14, a scenic backcountry drive that will make the trip between Devils’ Tower and the Bighorn National Forest a memorable one. Stop in for some grab and go goodies at the Clear Creek Stop in Clearmont, a fresh cup of coffee at the Ucross Foundation Gallery Café and spend at least a night (or three) at the spectacular Ranch at Ucross before you arrive in Sheridan proper.
STORY FISH HATCHERY
Located in a scenic ponderosa pine forest at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, the hatchery provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe fish and local wildlife. The original hatchery buildings were built in 1909 to serve the needs of northern Wyoming. Throughout the years, Story Hatchery has undergone significant renovations to keep up with new technology in fish culture and is the oldest continuously operating hatchery in the state. Today the hatchery grounds consist of several areas of interest. First, there is the large redwood-sided hatchery building that contains the visitor center, restrooms, and a trough room where smaller fish and the golden trout brood stock are held (a brood stock is an adult fish breeding group). In front of this building are raceways that hold the brown trout brood stock. Behind the hatchery building sit the vacuum degassing buildings, brood building and settling ponds. The tan and green brood building houses three different brood stocks (Eagle Lake rainbow, brook and lake trout) and includes a spawning area and large, modern egg incubation room.
Story is a beautiful little escape in its own right; everyone should have dinner on the porch at the Wagon Box Inn at least once per visit to Sheridan County. Check the hours for the beautiful Tunnel Inn for classic American Fare in a historic setting.
THE BRINTON MUSEUM
The Brinton Museum, located on the 620-acre historic Quarter Circle A Ranch in Big Horn, just a short drive from Sheridan, offers an authentic view into the life and lifestyle of a Western gentleman and art collector who was a patron and friend of many of the most celebrated 19th and 20th- century Western artists. The Brinton Ranch house, originally built in 1892, was expanded in 1927-28 to accommodate the Brinton’s extensive collections of Indian artifacts, art, historic documents, books and over 600 oils, watercolors and sketches by American artists including: Audobon, Borein, Gollings, Kleiber, Remington and Russell, to name a few.
The setting is superb; the Brinton Ranch house is set in the shadow of the Bighorn Mountains along the Little Goose Creek and surrounded by immaculate grounds, gardens and trees. The Briton Bistro offers arguably the best dining views in all of Wyoming, and beautiful upscale American cuisine to match. Rolling back through Big Horn gives you excellent options, including the LeDoux Steakout & Saloon and the wonderful pizza from the Big Horn Mercantile.